OCEAN COUNTY – Freeholder Director Gerry P. Little, along with Freehold Joseph Vicari, are urging residents and visitors to exercise water safety when enjoying the outdoors in Ocean County, be it at the beach, the bay, rivers, lakes, or backyard. For the body, it’s important to stay hydrated, especially as the heat continues to grip the region. For safety, it’s important to be aware of dangers water may pose.
““As much fun as we can have enjoying our beaches and water activities, it is important to watch out for mother nature. You want to look out for signs warning that the water you swim in is not clean, as polluted water can make you sick. Teach your kids not to swallow water anytime. You also want to make sure you keep clear of objects in the water like water plants and animals. If you see them, go the other way. We have all heard of the stinging jellyfish, which you want to beware of,” Ocean County Health Department Public Health Coordinator Daniel E. Regenye said.
Regenye offered these tips:
- Do learn to swim.
- Do take a friend along when swimming or boating, you never know when you may need help.
- Do know your limits – watch out for the “toos” – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much activity.
- Do swim where a lifeguard is present and follow all signs and warnings.
- Do wear a life jacket when boating.
- Do stay alert to the currents. If caught in a current, don’t fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you have passed through it.
- Do keep an eye on the weather. Summer storms pop up quickly.
- Don’t mess around in the water.
- Don’t dive into shallow water. If you don’t know how deep the water is, don’t dive.
For more information, visit ochd.org or phu2.org.
